- Kitchen & Bathroom Improvements
- If the appliances are included with the sale of your home, make sure they are operating and have proper documentations such as warranties and repair information
- If there are missing or damaged tiles, have them replaced
- Re-touch or repaint kitchens and bathrooms if the color is dated or the paint quality is poor
- Make sure sinks are clean and stain-free
- Repair damaged countertops, sinks or tubs
- Make sure that there are no leaky faucets
- Re-caulk damaged caulk on shower, sinks, tub or toilet
- Clean tile grout and make stain-free
- Paint, touch-up or refinish kitchen cabinetry
- Tighten or replace loose doorknobs or cabinet pulls, sticking doors and drawers and wobbly hinges
- Replace toilet seat
- If appliances are dated or not functioning, consider replacing
- Lighting Improvements
- Repair sticky windows which do not open
- At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting
- Clean all switch plates
- Clean all windows, inside and out
- Clean existing shutters, blinds or drapes
- Clean skylight for leaves and other debris
- Increase the wattage of bulbs to maximum possible wattage
- Install dimming switches in common rooms such as dining rooms and living rooms to allow you to create lighting for different occasions
- Install new window treatments if those you have are damaged or dated
- Keep curtains open and use natural light as much as possible
- Make sure all outdoor lighting works
- Prune outside trees to allow natural light inside
- Turn on enough lights so home is well lit during showing
- Wipe all light fixtures with a rag and cleaning solution
- Plumbing & Electrical Improvements
- All drains should be clean and free flowing
- All toilets should be in good working order
- Clean up, paint or replace old plumbing fixtures in all bathrooms
- Have your well or septic inspected or repaired
- If needed, hire a plumber to replace badly rusted and corroded plumbing pipes
- Inspect, clean and change filter of furnace
- Make sure that all bathroom and kitchen faucets are in good working order
- Make sure that all smoke and burglar alarms are functional
- Remove mildew stains and repair any loose, crumbling caulk or grout around tile and tub areas
- Repair broken doorbell
- Service sprinkler system
- Staging Improvements
- Clean fireplace and prepare with logs for display
- Clean out the entry closet and put only a few hangers so that the buyer can visualize winter coats
- Consider lighting up the fireplace during the colder months
- Hang artwork on the walls
- Hang extra clean towels in the bathroom for your guests
- Have a fresh vase of flowers on the kitchen table to add appeal
- Have beds made
- If needed, put large furniture in storage
- Lock pets up away from home during showings
- Open drapes to allow light in
- Place fresh flowers, potpourri and other decorations around house (even in bathrooms)
- Play music during open houses
- Put cedar chips inside the closets
- Remove all unnecessary articles in basement or attic
- Remove magnets and notes from refrigerator
- Remove personal possession, like photos, trophies and mementos
- Set the dining room table for a dinner party
- Stage garage - clean up oily floors, straighten tools and other equipment
- Tag or remove items not included in sale (i.e. water conditioner, chandeliers, plants, drapes)
- Yard Improvements
- Add colorful plants or flowers near front door and porch area
- Consider re-painting or re-staining a deck if the wood is worn out
- Repair damaged, rusty or bent fence; paint or stain if necessary
- If you have an awning for the patio, make sure that it is also free of debris and that there are no signs of tear or worn material. Replace if necessary
- Keep the firewood neatly stacked
- Keep trash area clean and organized
- Keep walks, steps and driveway obstacle-free
- Mow, trim, fertilize and water lawn
- Power wash deck
- Prune trees and bushes
- Rake fallen leaves
- Remove unnecessary items such as gardening equipment
- Remove debris and personal items on deck and porch
- Remove signs such as Beware of Dog
- Remove weeds and dead or dying plants or flowers
- Replace welcome mat at the doorway
- Re-sod bare spots on lawn
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